Fall in Clarkdale just got a whole lot more fun.
The Clarkdale Downtown Business Alliance and the Clarkdale Foundation co-host the 12th annual Clarktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 6 p.m. in Historic Downtown Clarkdale.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Despite the name, Clarktoberfest isn’t a traditional Oktoberfest, though there is beer. It’s Clarkdale’s own fall festival, and is part street fair, part concert and part beer garden, plus a chance to spend the afternoon with friends and neighbors from Clarkdale and around the Verde Valley.
The tradition began in 2014 and is held each year on the first Saturday in October.
Since the cancelation of the Red Rocks Oktoberfest in 2024 due to low turnout, Clarkdale’s Oktoberfest is the only one in the Verde Valley.
For the event, Main Street will be closed between North 9th and North 11th Streets, with festivities spanning two blocks of downtown and extending into Clarkdale Town Park.
Beer, Wine & Food
Guests can sample craft beer from OHSO Brewery, Belfry Brewery, Huss Brewing, Lumberyard Brewing, Smelter Town Brewery and Canyon Distributing, along with Arizona wines from local wineries.
A lineup of food trucks will keep attendees fed throughout the afternoon.
Music, Games & Contests
Sister & The Sun and the Elvin Killerbee Band will perform on a stage set up at 10th and Main on the north side of the street. The afternoon will also feature a cornhole tournament and, new this year, a Stein Holding Contest, with activities for all ages.
Sister and the Sun bring it with their own unique blend of roots, rock, funk, and reggae music, featuring guitarist and singer Emily Garding and percussionist Rose Sun.
Elvin Killerbee band is an original rock ‘n’ roll and blues band from Louisiana. Elvin Killerbee, the stage name of Kevin Ellerbee was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2025.
For more information, visit clarktoberfest.com.
